Kelsey, the Zimbabwean kitten, looks like a character from an Andrew Lloyd Webber production – not a cute and cuddly creature from Cats, but rather the tragically disfigured Phantom from Phantom of the Opera.
Credit: MARES
One side of the kitten’s face appears absolutely normal. But the other side is completely burnt and melted away, the horrific result of a merciless acid attack.
We simply cannot understand what kind of vile monster would do this to a helpless, harmless kitten. It is beyond sickening, that this is how people treat animals in impoverished Zimbabwe.
Fortunately for Kelsey, there are a few good souls in the country who do everything in their power to save animal lives.
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Donate todayImagine the searing pain this tiny cat must have experienced as a wicked human threw acid over her face to “teach her a lesson”.
Abandoned, traumatized and in excruciating pain, Kelsey was fortunate enough to be rescued in the nick of time.
Credit: MARES
Kelsey was found rummaging around in packing boxes, almost certainly in agonizing pain and desperate for a safe place to hide. Every second must have brought her agony that we cannot even begin to comprehend.
She was rushed to our partner, Matabeleland Animal Rescue and Equine Sanctuary (MARES) in Bulawayo – the only animal shelter in the city that does not immediately euthanize unwanted cats and kittens.
MARES suspects that the little street cat probably did something “wrong,” and that the acid was used as a particularly cruel and brutal punishment. Her “transgression” may have been something as innocuous as stealing a morsel to eat.
Devastatingly, this is the hand dealt to animals unlucky enough to be born in Zimbabwe. Little value is placed on their lives, and they are routinely “punished” in the most atrocious ways for simply existing.
Kelsey will need at least three operations to repair the damage from the acid attack.
Together we can help her heal and recover, giving her the best chance at the life she so deserves.
Credit: MARES
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Donate todayThe first operation will be to remove the affected eye, as the acid has damaged it so completely that her eyelid has been burnt off. She will need additional surgeries to repair her corroded, melted flesh, and MARES expects she will undergo at least three operations due to the extent of the burns.
As tiny as she is – MARES estimates her to be around six or seven months old – she is still feisty and has an indomitable spirit, despite the significant trauma she went through.
Kelsey wants to live!
The extensive treatment required to save this abused kitten’s life will cost $3,000 (around £2,350).
After being treated so horrifically by humans, we want to show her there are still kind-hearted people who care. Please donate, and help us give Kelsey the critical care she needs today.
Credit: MARES
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Donate todayI know that attacks like this make you angry, sickened and heartbroken. My team and I feel the same way. But getting angry or turning our backs on this savagery will not help Kelsey.
We MUST focus on the most important challenge – saving this little cat’s life.
She needs our support, and we must do everything in our power to help alleviate her suffering and show her the kindness that has been so sadly missing from her life.
Kelsey has seen the worst of human cruelty. Now, let’s show her the best of human kindness. Can she count on your compassionate support today?
For the animals,
Gloria Davies (and Max and Flora!)
CEO and Founder
Network for Animals
P.S. Time and again, we have witnessed the most horrific human-inflicted injuries to cats, dogs and donkeys in Zimbabwe – a country with little compassion for animals. Kelsey the kitten and all the other animals need your support right away – please donate right away to help this terribly injured animal in her greatest time of need.
Banner credit: MARES